His research shows that energy-efficiency is THE BIGGEST heavy hitter solution – it has reduced greenhouse gas emissions three to four times more, historically, than substitution by cleaner fuels. And so going forward, it promises to have a powerful place in our arsenal.

Energy-efficiency is also a rapid solution to the emerging climate crisis, which is important because time is not our friend in this fight.

Yet because you and I achieve efficiency in dozens of small, money-saving ways, we tend to ignore energy efficiency: It is not sexy.

But it does have the lovely motivational virtue of putting cash back in our wallets, and not sending nearly as much of it to fossil fuel companies.

For example: Your next car should offer very high fuel economy… a Toyota Prius getting 54 MPG will cost you only half the gasoline of a vehicle getting a disappointing 27 MPG – for a savings of an incredible $15,000 to $20,000 over the life of the vehicle!

Learn to spot unexploited efficiencies… literally, learn a new way to see.

(Full disclosure: As a Lean Manufacturing practitioner and career-long cost accountant, when I realized that efficiency, applied across entire societies, is such a powerful global warming solutions tool, well… my “brain-candy” knob is now permanently stuck in the on-position.)

3) To save the planet, USE OUR VOICES and take advocacy seriously in all its many flavors: Never miss a vote and never stop influencing your government. Influence the vast business world by voting with your buying power… business listens when you speak its language. Set a solid example in your personal life. Tell friends what we must do. Finally, have a carefully-chosen annual donor program. All of these are ways you can use your voice.